A Book for Cooks!Fannie Farmer Is Born

March
23, 1857 - Rich
chocolate cake, chewy oatmeal cookies, savory meatloaf, spicy
cheese dip--if you're ever looking for one of these recipes, or
any number of delicious food creations, try looking in the
Fannie Farmer Cookbook. Born on March 23, 1857, Bostonian
Fannie Merritt Farmer greatly influenced the way Americans cook
through her books and instruction. The Fannie Farmer
Cookbook was an immediate classic when it was published in 1896.
Now in its 13th edition, it's still a popular cookbook. Do
you have one in your kitchen? What makes this cookbook unique?

In her recipes, Farmer gave exact measurements (like a
1/8 teaspoon of salt instead of a dash of salt), guaranteeing
her readers reliable results. Recipes were not widely written
this way before. She also originated and perfected recipes at
the Boston Cooking School. She started there as a promising
student and quickly became director of the school. She put
together the Fannie Farmer Cookbook while she was director. Do
you like to cook? Fannie Farmer made it easier.

Even if
you don't like to cook, you probably like to eat. Preparing and
eating food is an essential part of life for everyone, but what
people eat, the way they eat, and with whom can differ
tremendously from country to country and even from table to
table. Think about the role of food in your life and what your
food habits say about who you are. What foods and ways of eating
do you think are uniquely American? Ask your family what they
think. The conversation will probably make you hungry!